Leeds United boosted as Premier League trial targets goalkeeper timeouts next season | OneFootball

Leeds United and fellow Premier League clubs will join a new trial next season aimed at stamping out tactical goalkeeper timeouts.

The FA said in a statement that the initiative targets stoppages used to disrupt momentum or enable touchline instruction, while ensuring genuine injuries receive proper care.

If a goalkeeper needs on-pitch treatment, the manager has 10 seconds to nominate an outfield player to leave for at least one minute, informing the fourth official. If no decision is made within 10 seconds, the captain will be withdrawn.

Exceptions apply when a free kick follows a foul on the goalkeeper and treatment is immediate, when the goalkeeper and an outfield player collide and both need attention, or when the goalkeeper is bleeding.

The tactic irritated Leeds repeatedly last season. Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma was first to go down after Daniel Farke’s side recovered from 0-2 to 2-2, although the Whites eventually lost 3-2.

Sunderland’s Melker Ellborg also went down during a 1-0 win at Elland Road, while Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez was told by a teammate to go down in their FA Cup semi-final victory over Leeds.

A similar push to keep players away from the dugout during goalkeeper stoppages was trialled at this summer’s World Cup, but these measures go further. Referees can now use a five-second countdown if throw-ins or goal kicks are being delayed, and a 10-second countdown will apply to substituted players leaving the pitch, or the incoming player will be held back.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk